Grangers

Grangers, or Grangers in the plural, is a term historically used to describe people who farm grain or work with grain, especially in agricultural communities. The word is most closely associated with 19th-century rural life in the United States, though it can be used more generally for grain farmers or stewards of granaries.

The Grange movement: The National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, commonly called the Grange, was founded in 1867 in Massachusetts by Oliver Hudson Kelley and a group of farmers. It grew into a national organization that aimed to educate rural residents, promote community welfare, and provide economic services. The Grange supported cooperative buying and marketing, advocated for fair railroad and freight rates, and engaged in political lobbying at state and national levels. It also promoted social and educational activities and allowed women to participate in leadership roles. The Grange reached its peak in the late 19th century and exerted influence on rural policy through the early 20th century, before declining as agricultural economies and technologies changed. Local Grange chapters continue to operate in various regions today.

Other uses: Grangers may refer to individuals who bear Granger as a surname. The term also appears in popular culture and fiction to name groups or characters, though such usages vary and are not standardized.

See also: Grange (disambiguation) and National Grange for related topics and historical context.